Stories for: Fitness & Health

This summer has been a diet-a-week for me, as I struggle to balance health and weight with a propensity to celebrate social occasions (aka weekends) with food and drink. It’s so frustrating when my favorite shorts from last summer are waaay too tight, and I feel tired and run down. After a stream of “quick fix” diets, I’m settling nicely into the infamous Whole30 diet which I’m combining with extra workouts sprinkled throughout the week. So far, it’s been great because I don’t have to starve myself, but there is time that goes into planning and shopping for meals. The workouts are tough but much more fun when I have new activewear, and I’ve been really hooked on Yummie by Heather Thomson! The quality and comfort of their line is steps above some other popular brands, and I can trust it to hold up while looking edgy. One thing I hate is accentuating my “fat pads” with unflattering thin or flimsy materials. I’ve never had that problem with Yummie, and the sweat-wicking fabrics keep me comfortable and supported during runs, burpees, and situps.

Athleisure is a top trend, and we totally understand why. You want to look cute when working out, but also appropriate for daily activities before or after. Who has time to plan so many outfits – and plan extra time to change? (Sometimes getting out of a class takes way longer than expected. Err, any one else experience this?)

Lolё makes it really easy with their chic activewear options that can transition easily. READ MORE

I never would have guessed that I would ever put a toothbrush in the same category as, say, a luxury car, but that is precisely the analogy I made to my hubby after I tried the elegant Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush. The actual brushing movement feels light years more advanced that my several-generations-old Sonicare, with efficient and smooth vibration which glides over my teeth. The brush works efficiently to rid teeth of staining elements as well as cavity-causing plaque to reveal clean pearly whites. The gentle buzz of the brush is punctuated by subtle beeps every thirty seconds to ensure that I cover all the surfaces adequately, which works well to make sure my impatient nature doesn’t short change my teeth (saving time in the dental chair!). After a use in the normal “clean” mode, my teeth feel like they just made a trip to the hygienist, and my gums are healthy as well.

As a first-time mom-to-be, I’m finding that workouts are getting harder and harder with a growing bump. Not only are there a few restrictions to be mindful of, but getting heavier around the belly can make it a challenge as well – even well before the actual workout. The amazing discovery I made was that Athleta, one of my favorite athletic clothing brands, makes maternity workout pants…YES!

Their classic and ever-so-popular Chaturanga Tight comes in a Low Belly and a High Belly option – whichever type of band you might prefer for the growing belly. (Side note: you can size down for these pants – a bonus feel-good moment when you’re seeing the number on the scale go up each month!) Like with all other Athleta Chaturanga pants, it’s made of a mid-weight Supplex nylon/spandex blend with their signature PILAYO stretchy fabric that wicks and breathes away sweat. It also has a UPF 50+ for a bit of sun protection.

These pants are definitely made for the growing bump, and probably work best once you’re at the 20+ week mark. For the High Belly option, it might be a bit large in the waist until your bump is bigger…but you can just fold the top of the band down to get more wear out of them. Top it with a cute sweatshirt like this No Sweatin’ It Sharkbite Top and you’re all set for your next prenatal barre, pilates, yoga, etc. workout!

To get my body and mind into shape, I’m a big fan of yoga (in addition to other fitness classes!). However, sometimes, it’s really hard to get to a class sometimes…whether it’s from a scheduling conflict or maybe you just need a change of pace from your regular class that you attend.

I’m totally having a Flashdance moment right now…longer sweaters that slip over your shoulders? Nothing sexier for a cozy winter evening. Gearing up for the chillier months just makes me want to pull out skinnies, leggings, boots and cozy oversized sweaters. Enter Athleta, who we all know makes great athletic wear; but did you know they also make beautifully luxurious sweaters? They’re just perfect for slipping over post-yoga or post-pilates class, but you can also just wear them for everyday, too! READ MORE

Ahh the holiday season has arrived! Are you thinking about what to gift yet? Let’s start with a simple stocking stuffer. Sometimes, they’re filled with goodies – and sometimes, not so much (err, dental floss, mom?). This year, consider these water bottles by bkr!

Part of Neiman Marcus’ Love to Give Collection (which was curated by Ken Downing), 10% of proceeds of purchases will benefit the Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, which supports art education nationwide. I love that these bkr bottles are totally chic, but also a healthful gift that works for men, women and kids. Plus, the receiver can use all-round – whether it’s at the desk or on a hike. Best of all…you won’t be breaking the bank, since they’re only $30 each! A happy stocking stuffer option, indeed.

I’m totally embracing autumn this year, loving every minute of the crisp air on my skin, snuggling under a blanket, and lots of apple pie! I don’t mind a bit of lingering summer weather here and there, but I do mind the stubborn sprinkling of freckles that a few hours too many in the sun has left on my face, not to mention a couple tan lines I’m still sporting from two months ago. After doing a little digging into the reasons for pigmentation, I found out that a big problem causing dark spots is excess melanin produced in the deeper layers of skin due to chronic inflammation. La Roche-Posay has a unique system to prevent and treat uneven skin tone without ever stepping into a dermatologist’s office. The Intensive Dark Spot Correcting Serum attacks spots which are visible and recurrent as well as those still in development. I apply the serum in the evenings after cleansing so it can work all night long, and have been consistent for almost eight weeks now, which is the suggested time for reducing spots by about 39%. I’ve noticed that it does brighten and even my complexion without irritating my finicky skin. My little freckles are lightening, so I’m hopeful that they’ll stay on that track.

While the serum does its job, it’s important to keep skin protected from the sun while continuing the work of correcting and preventing visible dark spots. The Daily Dark Spot Correcting Moisturizer does all this while absorbing quickly, and doesn’t feel greasy. UVA and UVB rays are blocked, which are the number one cause of dark spots. Both the serum and moisturizer use Phe-Resorcinol to reduce excess melanin at early stages of production and ferulic acid and gingko to reduce oxidation of melanin pigments. LHA is a signature ingredient which exfoliates the upper layers of the epidermis containing melanin. The regimen is effective and easy to incorporate for a brighter complexion to glow among the layers of autumn foliage! READ MORE

Summer is officially over, and it’s time to go back to school…errr, work. Fall always seems like crunch time before the holiday season, so aside from many meetings, we’ve been sitting at our desks trying to get it all done. Oftentimes, lunchtime passes and before you know it, it’s 3PM and you’re starving and thirsty. Sound familiar?

Keeping snacks at your desk can help with any “hangry” issues, but I find that having a pretty water bottle reminds me to drink up! I love bkr bottles, which come in gorgeous vibrant colors, and are so simple and chic. I fill it up in the morning and again mid-day, and I’m good to go. Need to pick one up? I’m loving this fun purple hue!

The Daily Obsession draws from the expertise of a coast-to-coast editorial team offering dedicated
readers reports of the most luxurious products and trends. We provide sophisticated and relevant angles on the
latest fashion trends, must-have beauty products, insider interviews, travel destinations and of course, our current
obsessions.